3G phones ARMed to fight hackers and viruses
UK chip firm ARM is designing chips for mobile phones that require less power but contain antihacking and antivirus features
Because mobile phones are increasingly being used in the same ways as computers, chip designer ARM has moved toward increased security and scaled-down power consumption.
The chip designer has released a new microprocessor blueprint this week at the Microprocessor Forum that includes TrustZone, which is a security technology that prevents hacks and curbs viruses; and Intelligent Energy Manager (IEM), which slows the processor when not in use to conserve battery power.
The chip design - called ARM 1176JZ - is designed for 3G phones, which are being increasingly used to swap files on the internet and perform other functions usually associated with desktops, said Simon Segars, executive vice president of engineering at ARM.
"People aren't downloading much into their phones at the moment, but carriers are worried that someone could download something that could take down the entire network. Downloading music is another issue."
